Fiona Cauley & Dr. David Lynch - Comedy, Biotech Research & Patient Advocacy

Fiona Cauley ( https://www.fionacauley.com ) is a Nashville-based comedy superstar who uses her comedy for a greater purpose – to raise awareness about her rare, genetic disease, Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), that progressively damages the nervous system, causing loss of muscle control over time, and is found in approximately one in 50,000 people worldwide (5,000 individuals in the United States and 15,000 worldwide).

Diagnosed at just 18 with this degenerative neurological condition, Fiona transformed adversity not just into an amazing career in comedy, but also beyond the stage, as an extremely powerful voice for disability visibility—sharing her story in conversations on podcasts and shows, and using comedy to foster understanding and empathy.

Fiona’s style has been defined as both fearless and impactful. She tackles everything from dating while in a wheelchair, to confronting audience discomfort and all sorts of stigma head-on.

Dr. David Lynch, MD, PhD, ( https://www.research.chop.edu/people/david-r-lynch ) is an attending neurologist in the Division of Neurology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Director of the Friedreich's Ataxia Program ( https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/friedreichs-ataxia-program ).

Dr. Lynch maintains a dynamic program focused on the Friedreich's Ataxia, which spans clinical, translational, and basic science research efforts on FA that include conducting double-blind clinical trials, identifying biomarkers, and leading mechanistic studies in animal and cellular models of FA.

The research conducted by Dr. Lynch and his lab team have led to a greater understanding of the metabolic dysfunction underlying FA. Their work has led to the creation of a patient database as well as a pipeline of more than 20 drug candidates that represent potential new therapies. Dr. Lynch is currently working with pharmaceutical industry partners to develop drug candidates as well as biomarkers for FA.

Dr. Lynch has a Medical Degree, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore.

Important Episode Links -

SKYCLARYS (omaveloxolone) - Patient Site - https://www.skyclarys.com/

"Friedreich's Back" - https://adage.com/video/viatris-friedreichs-back-6m38s/

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